Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. /MoHHealth Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has provided a comprehensive update on public health interventions and urgent recommendations following the 2015 oil spillage in River Thange, Makueni county.
The recommendations to the Senate Standing Committee on Energy tabled on Thursday arose from a joint site visit by the committee and ministry delegation.
The site visit, conducted between May 1-4, 2025, comprised public health officers, port health experts, environmental health specialists and legal and administrative personnel.
The Health CS highlighted that the ministry has pursued a multi-sectoral approach, reflecting recommendations triggered by the incident and subsequent community concerns.
“The ministry is committed to pressing for urgent action to restore the health and dignity of affected communities,” CS Duale said.
“Our joint efforts with the County Government include annual medical screenings, of which two rounds have already been completed, with results pending. A comprehensive Health Impact Assessment will be done to fully understand long-term effects.”
Key recommendations include the Kenya Pipeline Company being urged to fund new boreholes in areas not affected by the spillage, and to provide safe water and perform extensive soil and water testing in the affected areas.
The ministry also insists on the installation of a robust spill detection system to prevent future environmental disasters.
In collaboration with Makueni county, Duale said the ministry is strengthening psychosocial support and continuing to monitor long-term health outcomes.
This approach aims at addressing the suspected rise in cancers and kidney complications reported by the local communities, directly linked to the oil spillage.
Duale reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring corporate accountability and restoration of the affected ecosystem.
This integration of judicial decisions and public health action marks a significant step towards redressing the long-standing impacts of the Thange oil spill, providing hope for healing and justice to the communities of Makueni.
